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Background: Repeated sprint ability (RSA) is defined as the ability to recover and maintain maximal effort during repeated sprints, recognised as a crucial performance component in team sports. The exercise mode used to test RSA may influence performance and the contributions of different energy systems. The primary aim of this study is to address the critical gap between traditional cycling-based anaerobic tests, such as the Wingate test, and the practical, sport-specific demands of running in field-based team sports. Methods: This study involved 32 professional soccer players (age: 21.2 ± 1.3 years; height: 177.8 ± 4.3 cm; and mass: 71.3 ± 6.4 kg). They performed cycling- and running-based repeated sprint tests, with similar total sprint numbers, durations, and recovery times, on different days. Contributions from adenosine triphosphate-phosphocreatine (ATP-PCr), glycolytic, and oxidative systems were estimated through body weight, oxygen uptake (VO2), blood lactate (BLa), and the fast component of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). The VO2 levels and heart rate (HR) were monitored during the rest (10 min), exercise, and recovery (15 min) phases in a breath-by-breath mode using a portable gas exchange system. BLa was measured before (at rest) and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 min after the running and cycling tests using a handheld portable analyser. A mono-exponential model estimated the ATP-PCr system contribution, calculated using the fast component of EPOC following the final sprint and the sum of the VO2-time integral during rest intervals. Results: The cycling tests demonstrated significantly higher values for the peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) (p < 0.05), while the heart rate peak and blood lactate responses were similar across all modalities. The fatigue index was notably higher in the running tests (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the running tests showed greater contributions in both the percentage and absolute terms from the adenosine triphosphate-phosphocreatine (ATP-PCr) system (p < 0.01), total energy demand (p < 0.05), and total energy expenditure (TEE) (p < 0.01). Notably, the running tests resulted in an increased phosphocreatine breakdown (p < 0.05) and rapid phosphocreatine replenishment (p < 0.01). A simple linear regression analysis highlighted a significant determination coefficient between these performance variables and the contributions of the energy systems, affirming the robustness of the results. The correlation heatmaps further illustrated these relationships, with higher correlations for the PP and MP across modalities (0.41), emphasising the moderate association between cycling and running tests in these metrics. Conclusions: This study elucidated the similarities and differences in energy system contributions and performance outcomes between a cycling and a running repeated sprint protocol, with a comparable total sprint time and work–rest ratio. The findings reveal that a running repeated sprint test elicits a higher energy demand and a higher contribution from the PCr energy system compared to cycling. Performance variables were not associated between running and cycling tests, suggesting those tests cannot be used interchangeably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effects of intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) on anaerobic performance in young, untrained men. Young men (n = 48) were randomly divided into two training groups and a control group. The training groups performed the same submaximal interval training (three times a week for 4 weeks) in normoxia (200 m asl) or in hypoxia (IHT) (FIO2 = 14.4%). The workloads for the interval training corresponded to the intensity of the ventilatory thresholds determined in a graded test. Participants performed a supramaximal all-out sprint test in normoxia twice: before and after the training. Significant improvement in both absolute peak power (p < 0.001; ES = 0.34) and relative peak power (p < 0.001; ES = 0.54) was noted after IHT. Similar changes were not observed either after training in normoxia (p = 0.14 and p = 0.26, for absolute and relative peak power, respectively) or in the control group (p = 0.34 and p = 0.51, for absolute and relative peak power, respectively). Compared to baseline, there were no significant changes in the absolute and relative mean power of either group after training. Intermittent hypoxic training in young, untrained men can be effective in improving their peak power, but does not significantly affect their mean power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the effects of listening to self-selected music during a warm-up on brain wave synchronization/desynchronization and Wingate test performance. Seventeen healthy young men were required to complete a 10 min warm-up session with or without music intervention, followed by an electroencephalogram (EEG) or Wingate test, respectively. The ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) were recorded immediately after the Wingate test. Compared with no music intervention, listening to self-selected music during a warm-up significantly increased peak power and mean power in the Wingate test (p < 0.05), upregulated the α energy percentage in the F3, C3, P3, O1, T3, F4, and Fp2 regions (p < 0.05) and β energy percentage in the F3, O1, and T5 regions (p < 0.05), while it downregulated the δ energy percentage in the F3, P3, O1, F4, and F8 regions (p < 0.05), θ/β in the F3 and O1 regions (p < 0.05), and (θ+α)/(α+β) in the F3 region (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the minimum power and fatigue index in the Wingate test between the music intervention and no music intervention, or in RPE and HR after the Wingate test (p > 0.05). This study demonstrated that listening to self-selected music during a warm-up enhances cortical excitability by upregulating the α and β energy percentages and downregulating the δ energy percentage, which may represent a potential mechanism by which listening to self-selected music during a warm-up improves anaerobic performance in healthy young men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of listening to preferred versus non-preferred warm-up music on anaerobic sprint performance in Division I NCAA female athletes. Female collegiate athletes (n = 14) were recruited for this study. In a counterbalanced, crossover study design, participants completed two separate visits, each with a different warm-up music condition: preferred (Pref) or non-preferred (Non-pref). During each visit, participants completed a 3 min standardized cycling warm-up at 50 Watts while listening to Pref or Non-pref music. Following this, participants completed 3 - 15 s Wingate Anaerobic Tests (WAnTs) with a 2 min active recovery period in between tests. Motivation to exercise was measured immediately following the warm-up (WU), WAnT1, WAnT2, and WAnT3. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was also measured after each WAnT. Each visit was separated by a minimal recovery period of 48 h. Mean power, total work, RPE, and motivation were analyzed. Mean power (p = 0.044; d = 0.91) and total work (p = 0.045; d = 0.78) were significantly higher during the Pref music condition versus Non-pref. RPE remained unchanged regardless of condition (p = 0.536; d = 0.01). Motivation was significantly higher with Pref warm-up music compared to Non-pref (p < 0.001; d = 1.55). These results show that listening to Pref warm-up music has an ergogenic benefit during repeated sprints in comparison to Non-pref music and improves motivation to exercise. Listening to warm-up music prior to high-intensity repeated exercise may aid in optimizing performance and training in collegiate athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a single acute dose of yohimbine hydrochloride on repeated anaerobic sprint ability. Physically active females ( n = 18) completed two separate repeated supramaximal sprint trials each with a different single-dose treatment: placebo (PL; gluten-free corn starch) or yohimbine hydrochloride (YHM; 2.5 mg). For each trial, participants consumed their respective treatment 20 min before exercise. Following a warm-up, participants completed 3 × 15 s Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnTs) separated by 2 min of active recovery. A capillary blood sample was obtained pre- and immediately post-exercise to measure blood concentrations of lactate (LA), epinephrine (EPI), and norepinephrine (NE). Heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured following each WAnT. Findings showed that mean power ( p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.024), total work ( p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.061), and HR ( p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.046), were significantly higher with YHM supplementation versus PL. Fatigue index ( p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.054) and post-exercise LA ( p < 0.001; d = 1.26) were significantly lower with YHM compared to PL. YHM resulted in significantly higher EPI concentrations versus PL ( p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.225) pre- and post-exercise while NE only increased as a function of time ( p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.227) and was unaffected by treatment. While RPE increased after each WAnT, no differences between treatments were observed ( p = 0.539; η 2 < 0.001). Together, these results suggest that acute YHM ingestion imparts ergogenic benefits which may be mediated by lower blood LA and fatigue concomitantly occurring with blood EPI increases. Thus, YHM may improve sprint performance although more mechanistic study is warranted to accentuate underlying processes mediating performance enhancement.

We examined physiological predictors of performance on the CrossFit Murph challenge (1-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 air squats, 1-mile run). Male CrossFit athletes (n = 11, 27 ± 3 years) performed a battery of physical assessments including: (1) body composition, (2) upper and lower body strength, (3) upper body endurance, (4) anaerobic power, and (5) maximal oxygen consumption. No less than 72 h later, participants completed the Murph challenge, heart rate was monitored throughout, and blood lactate was obtained pre-post. Correlations between physiological parameters and total Murph time, and Murph subcomponents, were assessed using Pearson's correlations. Murph completion time was 43.43 ± 4.63 min, and maximum and average heart rate values were 185.63 ± 7.64 bpm and 168.81 ± 6.41 bpm, respectively, and post-Murph blood lactate was 10.01 ± 3.04 mmol/L. Body fat percentage was the only physiological parameter significantly related to total Murph time (r = 0.718; p = 0.013). Total lift time (25.49 ± 3.65 min) was more strongly related (r = 0.88) to Murph time than total run time (17.60 ± 1.97 min; r = 0.65). Greater relative anaerobic power (r = −0.634) and less anaerobic fatigue (r = 0.649) were related to total run time (p < 0.05). Individuals wanting to enhance overall Murph performance are advised to focus on minimizing body fat percentage and improving lift performance. Meanwhile, performance on the run subcomponent may be optimized through improvements in anaerobic power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diurnal fluctuations in power output have been well established with power loss typically occurring in morning (AM) times. Beetroot juice (BRJ) is a source of dietary nitrate that possess ergogenic properties, but it is unknown if ingestion can mitigate performance decrements in the morning. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute BRJ supplementation on diurnal fluctuations in anaerobic performance in trained sprinters. Male Division 1 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sprinters ( n = 10) participated. In a double-blinded crossover study design, participants completed three counterbalanced exercise trials under different conditions: Morning-placebo (8:00 HR, AM-PL), Morning-BRJ (8:00 HR, AM-BRJ), and Afternoon-no supplement (15:00 HR, PM). For each trial, participants completed 3 × 15 s Wingate anaerobic tests separated by 2 min of rest. Each trial was separated by a 72 h washout period. Mean power output ( p = 0.043), anaerobic capacity ( p = 0.023), and total work ( p = 0.026) were significantly lower with the AM-PL condition compared to PM. However, BRJ supplementation prevented AM losses of mean power output ( p = 0.994), anaerobic capacity ( p = 0.941), and total work ( p = 0.933) in the AM-BRJ compared to the PM condition. Rate of perceived exertion was not significantly different between any conditions ( p = 0.516). Heart rate was significantly lower during the AM-BRJ condition compared to AM-PL ( p = 0.030) and PM ( p < 0.001). Findings suggest anaerobic capacity suffers during AM versus PM times in trained sprinters, but BRJ ingestion abolishes AM-associated decrements in performance.

Background : There are many athletes who like to listen to music while making a high intensity effort. However, research into the effects of listening to music on athletic performance has provided controversial results, and it is suggested that the timing and type of music might affect the anaerobic performance response. Purpose : The main aim of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effects while listening to music tasks via the 30 s Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) on absolute performance and relative peak power (APP and RPP), absolute and relative mean power (AMP and RMP), and fatigue index (FI). Methods : PRISMA guidelines were used as a basis for conducting this systematic review, with inclusion criteria being set out according to the PICOS model. Computer-based literature research was undertaken until 10 March 2020 using the following online databases: PubMed/Medline, WOS, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. The literature was reviewed with regard to the effects of listening to music on the WAnT using several music variables on: APP, RPP, AMP, RMP and FI. Hedges' g formula was used to calculate both standard mean differences and 95% confidence intervals, in order to establish continuous outcomes. Furthermore, the I 2 statistic evaluated systematic differences (heterogeneity) together with a random effect meta-analysis model. Results : This systematic review included nine articles that researched into the effects of music on WAnT performance (six studies describe improvements in APP and/or RPP, four in AMP and/or RMP and three in FI). The random effects model was used to undertake a final meta-analysis, with standardized mean differences (SMD) and magnitude of standardized mean differences (MSMD) (Hedges' g) being pooled accordingly. The resulting meta-analysis incorporated eight studies that had been previously published, with results showing that there were no apparent beneficial effects on APP ( p = 0.09), AMP ( p = 0.33) and FI ( p = 0.46) as a consequence of listening to music. However, listening to music showed beneficial effects on RPP (SMD: 0.65; 95%: CI 0.35 to 0.96; MSMD: moderate; I 2 , 0%; p < 0.001) and RMP (SMD: 1.03; 95%: CI, 0.63 to 1.42; MSMD: trivial; I 2 , 0%; p < 0.001). Conclusion : This systematic review and meta-analysis has shown that listening to music during the WAnT might physiologically enhance relative anaerobic exercise performance, although reasons remain speculative.

Objectives: The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the acute effects of myofascial tissue rolling on endurance performance and recovery using a novel designed mechanical self-induced multi-bar roller-massager. Methods: a randomized crossover, repeated measure design was used. Eight national levelled, junior and neo-senior, speed skaters underwent a 10 min myofascial quadriceps rolling pre- and fifteen minutes post- a stepwise incremental cycling-test to exhaustion followed by a Wingate performance-test. The myofascial quadriceps rolling was used in one out of two laboratory testing-days. Time to exhaustion, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), blood lactate concentration during 30 min of recovery, and peak- and mean- power during the consecutive Wingate test were recorded. Results: Myofascial quadriceps rolling using roller-massager resulted in higher blood lactate concentration at exhaustion and a larger blood lactate clearance after 10 min to post exhaustion test (both p < 0.05), a tendency for a positive effect on Wingate peak-power (p = 0.084; d = 0.71), whereas no marked differences were observed on VO2peak, time to exhaustion and Wingate mean-power. Conclusion: Despite indications for potential benefits of the quadriceps myofascial tissue release using the mechanical self-induced multi-bar roller-massager on blood lactate concentration and Wingate peak-power, the myofascial tissue release gave no marked performance improvements nor indications of negative effects. Future studies could examine the long-term effects of myofascial tissue release on performance and recovery. Furthermore, integrating a measure of the participants' subjective experience pre- and post the myofascial tissue release would be of great interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: this study examined the effects of caffeine supplementation on anaerobic performance, neuromuscular efficiency and upper and lower extremities fatigue in Olympic-level boxers. Methods: Eight male athletes, members of the Spanish National Olympic Team, were enrolled in the study. In a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced, crossover design, the athletes completed 2 test sessions after the intake of caffeine (6 mg·kg−1) or placebo. Sessions involved initial measures of lactate, handgrip and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, followed by a 30-seconds Wingate test, and then final measures of the previous variables. During the sessions, electromiography (EMG) data were recorded on the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius lateral head and tibialis anterior. Results: caffeine enhanced peak power (6.27%, p < 0.01; Effect Size (ES) = 1.26), mean power (5.21%; p < 0.01; ES = 1.29) and reduced the time needed to reach peak power (−9.91%, p < 0.01; ES = 0.58) in the Wingate test, improved jump height in the CMJ (+2.4 cm, p < 0.01), and improved neuromuscular efficiency at peak power in the vastus lateralis (ES = 1.01) and gluteus maximus (ES = 0.89), and mean power in the vastus lateralis (ES = 0.95) and tibialis anterior (ES = 0.83). Conclusions: in these Olympic-level boxers, caffeine supplementation improved anaerobic performance without affecting EMG activity and fatigue levels in the lower limbs. Further benefits observed were enhanced neuromuscular efficiency in some muscles and improved reaction speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of listening to preferred or non-preferred music on repeated sprint performance. Fourteen physically active males (ages 18–25 years) were recruited for this study. In a counterbalanced crossover study design, participants completed two separate visits. During each visit, participants listened to either preferred or non-preferred music and completed 3 × 15 s Wingate Anaerobic Tests (WAnTs) separated by 2 min active recovery periods. Each visit was separated by a minimal recovery period of 48 h. Anaerobic performance measures, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and motivation were analyzed. Mean power (p = 0.846, effect size (ES) = 0.019), anaerobic capacity (p = 0.686, ES = 0.058), and total work (p = 0.677, ES = 0.039) were not significantly different between preferred and non-preferred music conditions. Mean heart rate (p = 0.608; ES = 0.125) was also unchanged. Motivation to exercise (p < 0.001; ES = 1.520) was significantly higher in the preferred music condition. Additionally, the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) (p = 0.028; ES = 0.540) was significantly lower during the preferred music condition. Our results show that listening to preferred music showed no ergogenic benefit during repeated anaerobic cycling sprints when compared to non-preferred music. However, preferred music increased motivation to exercise and decreased perceived exertion. The results from this study could hold important implications for the application of music and enduring repeated high-intensity sprint exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower body compression (LBC) has been shown as an effective recovery tool from basketball but it is unknown how it affects performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of wearing a LBC garment on anaerobic exercise performance in collegiate basketball players. Healthy Division I collegiate basketball players (n = 12) were recruited for this study. In a crossover, counterbalanced study design, subjects volunteered to participate in two separate visits each with a different condition: wearing a LBC garment or non-compressive control (CON) garment. During each visit, subjects completed 2 × 30 second Wingate Anaerobic Tests (WAnTs) separated by a 5-min active recovery period. Each visit was separated by a 72 h washout period. Results revealed that over the 2 × 30 second WAnTs, mean power output (p = 0.028; d= 0.35), anaerobic capacity (p = 0.018; d = 0.45), and total work (p = 0.027; d = 0.36) were higher when wearing the LBC versus CON garment. However, peak power output (p = 0.319; d = 0.09), anaerobic power (p = 0.263; d = 0.23), and fatigue index (p = 0.749; d = 0.05) were not statistically different. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was significantly lower (p = 0.032; d = 0.72) with LBC compared to CON. Results indicate that LBC may increase anaerobic exercise performance in collegiate basketball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]